VOTER VOTER FROM THE PRESIDENTS DESK As we move into the new calendar year, we are energized by our accomplishments of the past year. We look forward to continue our great work and have set time to plan on how to best accomplish our League vision. In February, we will meet as a board with Alan Glassman, our consultant, to review our goals for the next 12 to 18 months. We continue to welcome new members by having a President's Coffee Hour on February 11 at the home of Martha Sklar, Co- President. This is a great opportunity for our committee leaders, board members and new members to meet and discuss ways to get involved. We continue to need everyone s support to succeed! We need your volunteer time, your financial support and your help introducing the League to millennials. We hope that our Valentine's Membership campaign gives our current members the opportunity to give the gift of League. Gift Valentine memberships are good through June 30. Just enough time to introduce new members to our programs and activities! January-February 2017 1 Presidents Message 2 Shop for a Cause 3 New Citizens Vote 4 Community Policing 5 Program Planning 5 New Member Orientation 6 Civic Society Salon 6 New Members 8 Ways to Defend Democracy 9 Interstate Compact 10 Skid Row Housing 11 Donations, Renewals and Tributes ATTEND OUR LOCAL (UNIT) MEETINGS IN THE NEW YEAR! See the Monthly Highlights insert for dates and upcoming events. -- Continued on page 2 The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, is open to everyone. We invite your membership. Visit www.lwvlosangeles.org to join.
League of Women Voters of Los Angeles 3303 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 310 Los Angeles, CA 90010-1700 T 213-368-1616 F 844-269-9164 www.lwvlosangeles.org VOTER STAFF Marilu Guevara Editor Helen Medrano Production -- Message from the Presidents, Continued from page 1 We strongly encourage all 50+ year honorary members to continue the League tradition in your families by sponsoring a daughter, son, grandchild, niece, nephew for a one-year membership. Let s work to keep the organization vibrant for the next generation. The more involved you are with the League, the stronger our voices will be in the community to meet our mission of Making Democracy Work! We look forward to hearing from you at our January Program Planning meetings. Let us know what your vision for the League is. Help shape our education and advocacy efforts. Learn about ways to get involved. For more information, see the flyer included in this newsletter. In League, Susannah Baxendale Jean Cohen Copy Editor Submit articles to: info@lwvlosangeles.org LOCAL UNITS Crenshaw Culver City Las Virgenes Valley University-Westside Westside Evening STAY IN TOUCH 2016 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY Maria Montero and Martha Sklar Our LWVLA Shop has launched just in time to help you with holiday shopping. These gifts are sure to inspire those on your list to Make Democracy Work! Shop online at www.lwvlosangeles.org We are looking for creative design ideas to promote the vision of the League. Please contact us at info@lwvlosangeles if you or a friend wishes to help with merchandise design! If you would like the most up-todate version of the directory, please email info@lwvlosangeles.org or call our office, 213-368-1616. 2 January - February 2016 VOTER
LEAGUE VOLUNTEERS REGISTERED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF NEW CITIZENS TO VOTE IN 2016 Each year, hundreds of thousands of immigrants complete the naturalization application process and take part in swearing-in ceremonies also known as naturalization ceremonies in cities and counties across the country. For many years, League of Women Voters volunteers have been a fixture at these ceremonies in local communities, working closely with local immigration officials to provide on-the-spot voter registration assistance for the new citizens, providing nonpartisan voter education materials, and answering questions about how new Americans can get involved in civic life. Many state and local League affiliates have worked for decades to offer voter registration at naturalization ceremonies, with some Leagues reporting tens of thousands of new citizens registered as a result of their volunteers diligent work. In the spring of 2016, the League of Women Voters Education Fund launched a program to support these volunteer-driven efforts in fourteen communities nationwide. From Houston to Atlanta, Upstate New York to South Carolina, 500+ League volunteers attended more than 220 naturalization ceremonies, interacting with tens of thousands of brand-new citizens. As featured on LWV.org: Helen Medrano from LWVLA helping a new citizen register. In the end, participating League volunteers helped nearly 19,000 new Americans complete voter registration applications on the spot. Later, League teams followed up with the new citizens to provide additional get-out-the-vote assistance and ensure they had successfully made it onto voter registration rolls. All participating League teams report that they will continue their work in an effort to engage even more new Americans in 2017. Nationwide, the League works to empower voters of all backgrounds to get involved in voting and democracy. From providing critical voter registration opportunities to new citizens, high school students and other likely underrepresented groups in our electorate, to directly equipping millions of voters with localized election information and hosting hundreds of candidate debates and forums each year, the League of Women Voters is at the forefront of Making Democracy Work. Maggie Bush, LWVUS Elections Program Manager LWV Los Angeles New Voter Project: At least 29,000 new citizens registered, received voter resources at Naturalization Ceremonies and completed our Voting Basics workshops in English, Spanish and Farsi. LWVlosangeles.org 3
COMMUNITY POLICING COMMITTEE LWVLA s Committee on Community Policing continues its efforts to better understand how the LAPD can promote a safer city while building public trust in law enforcement. Over the last two months members of our committee attended a Police Commission meeting to learn how de-escalation strategies were being taught to LAPD officers. Dr. Luann Pannell, LAPD s Training Director, whom we had met while conducting research for our April panel on LAPD & Community: Overcoming Mistrust, spoke of the major overhaul of departmental training from isolated topics (silos) to problem-solving comprehensive situations. On November 9, members of our committee attended the West Valley Community-Police Advisory Board (C- PAB). Each police station has a C-PAB, which is meant to provide an opportunity for law enforcement and the local community to share information. Captain Ralph Ramirez reported on a plan to address the homeless population in the Sepulveda Basin. Since so many recent incidents of excessive force have occurred with individuals experiencing mental illness, we asked about specific de-escalation training. We learned that LAPD has increased their system wide Mental Assessment Response Team (SMART) units from 10 to 50. On November 22, committee members were invited to observe the training conducted by Dr. Luann Pannell. It was only one morning out of the six months that a recruit must train. This particular training was about the importance of emotional intelligence. On December 9, committee members met with the two officers assigned to the new Family Liaison Section, officially in effect for only two weeks. This team is called to the scene whenever someone dies in police custody. Their job is to communicate with family members to ensure that they understand how the investigation will be conducted and to share whatever information they have about the incident. At the November 1 st meeting at the Police Commission, a member of the audience complained bitterly that her son had been killed by a LAPD officer and she could not obtain any information. The Family Liaison Office will, it is hoped, resolve issues of this sort and begin to build trust. The LAPD is the first in the nation to create such a program. Before the end of December, members of the Committee are scheduled to meet with ACLU to explore ways of increasing greater law enforcement transparency and accountability. The committee invites interested LWVLA members to join us as we continue advocating for criminal justice reform. If you are interested in becoming involved, please contact Carolina.goodman@sbcglobal.net. Marjorie Green, Community Policing Committee 4 January - February 2016 VOTER
YOU RE INVITED TO HELP SHAPE OUR FOCUS AND ADVOCACY: PROGRAM PLANNING UNIT MEETINGS IN JANUARY The League is a truly grassroots organization that sets its agenda through the Program Planning process. As members, this is our chance to help choose what we want California s and the League s future to be. Join us at a local unit in January when we ll be discussing League policy and positions at the state and city levels. Where should the League focus its energy over the next two years? What are the issues of concern to us in California and Los Angeles? Where is there a need for legislative activity and advocacy, both in Sacramento and in our city? At the LWVUS Convention in Washington D.C. last June we adopted a national Campaign to Make Democracy Work program with a focus on: Voter protection and mobilization Election reform Money in politics, constitutional amendment, and redistricting How will we implement this program in California as well as other ongoing work? Should we focus on community education? Was there an issue on the ballot this year on which you wished the League had been able to take a stand so that we should have a new or updated study? If you want your voice to be heard, then attend the Program Planning meeting. It s the start of the grassroots process. JOIN US! Harriet Borson, Unit Chair Coordinator NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION New members, who have not previously attended an orientation, are invited to an Orientation for members who wish to know more about Los Angeles League of Women Voters. The event will be Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the home of Co-president, Martha Sklar. Brunch-type refreshments will be served. Meet our Co-presidents, Maria Montero and Martha Sklar Learn about opportunities available and how to engage effectively Learn where your interests intersect with other League members You will be sent the address to the Martha s home, along with directions when you RSVP. Martha lives near Wilshire and Fairfax, in the Miracle Mile, with ample street parking. RSVP to Sandra Trutt at s.trutt@verizon.net or 310-479-7482 LWVlosangeles.org 5
BOB STERN SPEAKS TO CIVIC SOCIETY DONORS What could League member and founding director of the Center for Governmental Studies, Bob Stern, say to shed new light on the recent election results? Certainly he discarded any remarks he may have prepared several months ago when we invited him to speak. Thirty Civic Society members were not disappointed as he took us through the details of the vote, even including some new information. He looked to the future, seeing a bright, diverse group of young elected and appointed officials waiting to move up the ranks. Ending on a happy note, he recited a hilarious Capitol Steps piece on the election. The Civic Society is an important source of funds that keeps our vital programs going. Taking place in the intimate setting of a private home, the salons allow us to hear outstanding scholars; journalists and civic officials address the key issues of the time. Call Executive Director Marilu Guevara, at the League office, 213-368-1616 to find out how you can participate. SPOTLIGHT ON NEW MEMBERS ALEXA ROMAN Carryl Carter and Renee Chanon, Civic Society Co-Chairs I'm thrilled to join the LWVLA. I was a member of the LWVSF and have seen how crucial the work of this organization is. My grandmother was the president, and a long-time member, of her local League in Michigan. Along with my mom, she's encouraged me to get involved in voter education since I was a kid. I'm an app designer for an LA-based tech company. In my spare time, I choreograph dance and produce a local dance film festival. 6 January - February 2016 VOTER
-- Spotlight on New Members, Continued from page 6 ERIN GIBSON Emmy-nominated Southern loudmouth Erin Gibson is an expert at mixing social commentary, political satire and vagina jokes into neat little comedy packages. Based in Los Angeles, she writes and co-hosts the award winning political absurdist comedy podcast Throwing Shade which will soon air as a half-hour comedy series on TVLand Jan 18, 2017. Erin developed her social commentary chops as the host of Modern Lady on Current TV s Infomania, where she comically eviscerated the media for their coverage of women. She moved on to Funny or Die to write and direct political sketches and created the long running Emmy-nominated Gay of Thrones starring her real-life hair stylist. Erin is a proud to be a new member of the Los Angeles League of Women Voters and excited to join other fellow passionate Los Angelenas in efforts more important than finding the best açai bowl in town. But she does know where it is if anyone cares. LWVlosangeles.org 7
10 WAYS YOU CAN HELP DEFEND OUR DEMOCRACY Sign the League of Women Voter s Petition I stand with the League to ensure that elections are always free, fair and accessible. I will work with the League to stop voter suppression tactics that threaten our democracy and the right to vote. Sign here: http://tinyurl.com/lwvpetition Become an e-activist. Make sure you are receiving updates from the League and hold your elected officials accountable! Volunteer Your Time. We are working to make a difference and actively engaging people. Donate to the League. Your support makes it possible for LWV to take a stand in statehouses and courtrooms across the country. Spread the Word. Stay engaged every day, and leverage your social media followers to get involved too! Attend a Community Meeting. Learn about local issues and hear from elected officials. You can connect and organize with people already active in your community. Check your local government s website or contact your local League. Register to Vote, and help others Register. Make sure your family and neighbors are up to date on their registration. Contact your Representatives. Elected officials work for the people and need to hear from concerned citizens like you. Run for Office. You can directly contribute to the direction of local politics in your own back yard. From school board to the state house, there are many opportunities to run for office and make a difference. Write a Letter to the Editor. Newspapers print concerns from readers and love to hear about local concerns. 8 January - February 2016 VOTER
LEAGUE SAYS POPULAR VOTE HERE S A REALLY UNIQUE APPROACH TO ELECT OUR PRESIDENT Many League members do not realize that our LWVUS has a longstanding position (since 1970) supporting a popular vote for U.S. Presidential elections. http://lwv.org/content/selection-president Now, in addition to the arduous (virtually impossible) process of amending the Constitution to achieve this goal (essentially to eliminate the Electoral College), there is a bipartisan alternative method to rely on the national popular vote to elect our next President. Brief history: Twice during the 1800s and twice in recent years (Al Gore 2000, Hillary Clinton 2016) the person who won the most popular votes did not win the Presidency due to the Electoral College vote. So it hasn t happened that often, but since one of the original purposes of the Electoral College was to protect slave states it seems time to end its control of our presidential elections. Now, starting in 2006, there is a new approach to the issue. National Popular Vote is a bipartisan organization that created an Interstate Compact which would essentially (upon enough states signing on) create an agreement that electors in states representing at least 270 electoral votes would vote for the winner of the national popular vote (not necessarily the candidate who won that state s popular vote). In other words, if enough states sign the agreement (there are now 11 states with 165 electoral votes total), we could elect a president by popular vote as soon as 2020 if more states sign on. Current states that are signed into the compact are: CA, DC, HI, IL, MA, MD, NJ, NY, RI, VT, WA. Efforts are underway in other states to join the compact, and of course, the difficulty is that so many states are under Republican control. But the concept has been endorsed by Republicans such as Newt Gingrich, and others, and some of the states where the legislation has passed are under Republican control. Whether the results of the recent election change any minds about ending the outmoded Electoral College system remains to be seen. You can learn more at http://www.nationalpopularvote.com/ Some of us at LWVLA want to disseminate this information more widely, so let us know if your organization wants to learn more about this although California is already signed on, we may find ways to spread the information to some key states where the legislation to sign the compact is under discussion. Legislation is pending in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri and Arizona. Mona Field, LWVLA Board Member LWVlosangeles.org 9
10 January - February 2016 VOTER
Since the last VOTER Contributions Carolyn M. Franklin Rebecca Wink Sustaining Contributors Crissi Avila Marilú Guevara Maria Montero New Members Jacqueline Bendy Russell Burrows Betsy Uhler Colombo Rachel Davenport Catherine Eichhorn Sheila Irani Daisy Ly, American Lung Association Joyce E. Mills Rebecca McTavish Dara Morgenstern Maggie Murray Alexa Roman Shawna Swanberg Elizabeth Vitanza and John Ballon Nina Zippay BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR! Even though we reached over 158,000 people this past year, there are still more underrepresented voting communities to inform, engage and empower, and issues to advocate. We hope you consider joining us on our journey by becoming a monthly donor. Each month your preferred method of contribution will be charged at a fixed amount of your choice. Your donation will help us continue our voter empowerment and mobilization efforts. For as little as $10 a month, two Starbuck drinks, you can support the League s voter mobilization and empowerment efforts. If you want to raise your donor level, we have $15, $25, $50 and $100 monthly options. Please note that your donation to the LWVLA, a 501(c)(3) organization, is tax-deductible. Donate at www.lwvlosangeles.org and click Support. THANK YOU YEAR-END APPEAL DONORS 2017 Civic Society Renee Chanon Richard and Harriet Orkand Madeleine Rose Schwab Tribute Donation to the League on behalf of Jane Wagner-Tyack in honor of Patricia McMahon. Donate to the League online at www.lwvlosangeles.org Rita R. Barschak Joyce Batten Carryl Carter Renee Chanon Judy Collins Caroline Cooperman The Landers Family Margaret Fisher Henry and Jane Goichman Coralie Goldsmith Marjorie Green Marcia James Loretta Kelly-Denkins Ruth and Barrie Logan Elizabeth A. Michalak Aileen Strike Preonas Zhita Rea Barbara G. Scheibel Marilyn Lee Schneider Bertha Sutton Sandra Trutt Elinor Turner June Weinberg Virginia Wexman Liza White LWVlosangeles.org 11
League of Women Voters of Los Angeles 3303 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 310 Los Angeles, CA 90010-1700 Address Correction Requested Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Los Angeles, CA Permit No. 13092 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED MAKE DEMOCRACY WORK! It s easy to join the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles NAME E-MAIL ADDRESS CITY ST ZIP PHONE (H) (W) (C) TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP ANNUAL DUES TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP ANNUAL DUES Individual $ 85 Sustaining $ 250 Student (currently enrolled, under 25 years) $ 28 Patron $ 500 Household (2 members, 1 address, 1 mailing) $ 120 Supporting $ 125 Scan the code to join online! I am paying my dues by check: Amount: To pay by credit card: please go to www.lwvlosangeles.org and click Join the League I d like to do more: Here is an additional gift and separate check to support the League s activities for: Donation of $ payable to LWV of Los Angeles Contributions, gifts and dues to the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles are tax-deductible.